Aspect Glass Backsplash Tile Frequently Asked Questions

Aspect Glass Backsplash Tile Frequently Asked Questions

How do I need to prepare the wall before I install Aspect?

It depends on whether you intend to use the peel and stick adhesive on properly prepared wall surfaces or if you do not want to prepare your wall surface. We show both methods in detail in our Aspect Installation Guide.

If you are using installation Method 1, proper wall preparation is required. Aspect tiles can be installed over most structurally sound substrates if they are clean, flat, smooth, dry, and free of dust, wax, soap scum and grease. Acceptable substrates are drywall, plaster or clean, smooth tile (glazed, porcelain type tile; not porous or textured). Any damaged, loose or uneven areas must be repaired, patched, leveled and primed. Fill cracks and irregularities with wallboard compound or spackling, then sand smooth with fine grade sandpaper.

If installing Aspect over existing ceramic tile, be sure to thoroughly clean old tiles, but priming ceramic tiles is not required. Use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol two-cloth cleaning method as surface preparation when applying tiles to a nonporous substrate, such as ceramic tile or metal. Failure to properly prepare the substrate may invalidate the warranty.

The substrate to which you are applying Aspect tiles must be primed with a fresh coat of latex primer such as Zinsser® or KILZ® (or similar products). Ingredients in “paint & primer in one” products can cause adhesion failure; as such, be sure to use a stand-alone primer. If you do not intend to prepare the wall surface, you can use an additional adhesive as seen in our Installation Guide.

Do I need to paint my wall the color of the tiles before installing the Glass Aspect to prevent the color of the wall from showing through the seams?

Careful layout and tile application can still sometimes leave gaps between the tiles. To hide any gaps, we recommend using a primer—tinted with the color of your tiles—on the wall to which the tiles are applied, before starting. Your local paint store can mix this for you..

Can Aspect be exposed to humidity and/or water?

Yes. To ensure years of enjoyment of your Aspect installation, and for installations near sinks or tubs, the substrate to which Aspect is applied must be primed with a primer such as Zinsser® or KILZ® (or similar products) to seal it – ensuring a stable substrate. Aspect is impervious to water but substrates such as drywall or plywood are not.

Can I use Aspect tiles in my shower?

No, the adhesive is not engineered to be used in a wet environment such as a shower.

How can I make sure the tiles stick properly?

First, be sure to follow the instructions for substrate preparation. After you have the tile aligned where you want it, firmly press the tile over its entire surface area to be sure it adheres properly. You can test the adhesion by pulling slightly on the tile. It should be securely attached. If not, it might be necessary to add additional adhesive. Use a high-quality construction adhesive. Be sure to allow the adhesive 24 hours to set-up. See below for additional information. Our recommended adhesives are Loctite® PL Premium®, Loctite® PL Premium Advanced®, LePage® PL Premium® (Canada). Carefully read and follow manufacturer’s directions for the adhesive.

What do I do if my substrate is bumpy or uneven and a tile pops off?

Occasionally, even after properly preparing the substrate, the surface can still have bows, high spots, ridges or uneven areas. One way to test the area of the substrate to which the tile is to be applied is to place a tile (with the back liner unpeeled) on the area to see if it “rocks” or if it has a solid, flat foundation. If proper adhesion is difficult or impossible, a tube adhesive can be applied to the back of the tile to allow good adhesion. Be sure to remove the release film on the back of each tile before applying additional adhesive. Apply no more than about five pea-sized dots of adhesive to the back of a full tile. Keep the adhesive a half-inch from the edges. Press the tiles into place. If adhesive squeezes out around the tiles, be sure to wipe it off before it dries.

What are the recommended tube adhesives that can be used if a tile pops up?

What are the reasons a tile may fall off?

A tile can fall off as a result of improper substrate preparation such as a substrate that is not clean, flat, smooth, dry and free of dust, wax, soap scum and grease. Or, bumpy, wavy surfaces may cause tiles to fall off.

Can grout be used when working with Aspect tiles?

A sand-less grout can be used. A grout containing sand is not recommended as the grout may scratch the surface of the tile in the cleanup process. If you want a grout-line look, colored or white silicone caulking will have the same effect, is easier to apply and provides a water-tight seal. Be sure to remove excess caulk or grout before it dries.

Can Aspect be exposed to UV rays and outside elements?

No. Aspect Peel and Stick backsplash tiles are manufactured for indoor use only.

Can Aspect be exposed to heat?

Aspect tiles can withstand heat up to 140°F without causing any damage to the product. We recommend a minimum 6-inch space between the heat source or burner and the installed tiles. You may also refer to your stove’s (or other heat source) manufacturer for specific information.

Will heat impact the adhesive bond on the tiles?

The adhesive will not be affect by temperatures of 150°F or less.

How should the tiles be cut if a full tile is not needed?

Select a cutting method for cutting glass according to the shape of the cut that you want to make. Straight cuts can be made with a scoring tool. Compound intricate cuts should be made with a glass-cutting wet saw or by a professional glass shop.

For straight cuts, use a glass scoring tool.

a) Measure and mark the tile with a marker on the top of the glass tile where the cut must be made. Run your finger along the surface of the glass where you plan to score before marking to remove any particles that could affect scoring.

b) Applying light oil (WD40™ or even cooking oil) to the scoring wheel will help achieve smoother scoring lines. Apply pressure to the glass as you pull the cutter along the surface, rolling on the scoring wheel. The score must run from one edge of the glass to the other edge.

c) When scoring, a gritty sound means that you are pushing too hard. A smooth, tearing sound is what you want. Score along a straight edge. Use a metal ruler or straightedge.

d) After scoring, the tiles can be broken on a table. Place a soft cloth or cardboard on the table to prevent damage.
Place the tile, finished side up, with the score along the edge of a table then push the part to be cut downward. You can also just grip the glass firmly, one hand on either side of the score. Then use a snapping action with your wrists to break the glass.

e) Use fine sandpaper or emery cloth to smooth and debur sharp edges resulting from glass cutting. Be careful not to scratch the finished surface of the glass.

Follow all safety procedures, including using safety eyewear and protective gloves when using scoring tools and cutting glass. If compound or notched cuts, around an outlet for example, are required, you may need to use a wet glass-cutting saw, available for rent from most home centers. In many cases, cuts that you cannot make with a scoring tool can be easily done by a professional glass shop. Remember to mark your tiles for cutting first.

What should be used to clean the tiles?

You can use soap, water and a soft cloth. A glass cleaner or grease cutter can also be used.

What should be used as a trim or an edge treatment?

Aspect should be treated like any other tile. Clear or colored caulk is a good option. Caulk can be painted to match wall color if preferred. Wood, plastic or other types of trim also work well depending on your preference and abilities.

Can Aspect be applied to a working surface or to the floor?

These applications are not recommended, as the rubbing could potentially scratch the surface of the tile.

What is the life expectancy of the Aspect Tile?

Aspect tiles and panels will last well-beyond the lifetime of your kitchen, bath or wall project. The tiles and panels are virtually indestructible under normal use.

Does the surface of an Aspect tile scratch easily?

Not easily, but it can be scratched like any glass surface.

When starting a project, would I work from one side to the other, or from the center out?

Working from the center out would balance the working area and ensure your largest tiles in the middle of your space. This could be important when a designer pattern is used. However, you can start at one end and work to the other.

If I wanted to remove a tile (or a few), how would I do so and what would I use?

Start by applying pressure slowly underneath the 3’’ side of a tile and increase pressure lifting the tile up. Note: Be careful not to damage the adjacent tile. A 1” putty knife or similar tool that applies even pressure across the surface upon which you are prying is recommended. Note: subsurface material like drywall may be affected due to the aggressive nature of the tile adhesive which may require touch up or priming prior to replacing the tile.

Will the “peel and stick” adhesive used to apply Aspect damage the surface it is applied to if a tile is removed?

Yes, possibly. Caution is advised when removing tile to eliminate as much old adhesive as possible. Some repairs may be necessary if this happens.